Latino USA: Puerto Rico's Financial Storm

Puerto Rico’s 11-year economic recession followed by the destruction of its infrastructure during Hurricane Maria have left the commonwealth with an enormous debt and a young population struggling to see a future on the island. In this episode Latino USA dives into a topic that has taken a back seat in coverage since the hurricane struck last September: Puerto Rico's financial crisis.

Veteran business reporter Jane Sasseen takes us into the story of how Puerto Rico's debt spiraled out of control and how the territory is trying to dig out today. And, Latino USA's Andres Caballero follows a young man who has made it his personal mission to fight back against austerity measures planned for the island. 

Puerto Rico: The Future of Debt is supported in part by The Jacob and Valeria Langeloth Foundation, the Park Foundation, and Chasing the Dream, a WNET initiative on poverty, jobs and economic opportunity in America. Additional support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as part of a collaboration between APM Reports, KCUR in Kansas City, KPCC in Southern California, WABE in Atlanta, and WNYC.

The series is also supported by the McGraw Center for Business Journalismat the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. 

For more information visit the series page here: Puerto Rico Future Debt

Airs June 26 at 8pm on WNYC 93.9 FM